Huge blow for Burnley as major aerospace employer set to cut 250 jobs

One of Burnley's biggest employers, Safran Nacelles, is expected to shed up to 250 jobs from its plant in the town.
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The aerospace company, which has sites across the world, is to consult with workers on a redundancy programme as the business tries to tackle the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the global aerospace industry.

The high-tech company, one of Burnley's biggest private sector employers, employs around 750 people at its site in Bancroft Road.

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Bosses confirmed to the Burnley Express that the company yesterday announced a consultation on a proposed redundancy, which could impact around 250 jobs, but stressed that nobody has been redundant yet and no decisions have been taken, as the company understandably need to go through the consultation process with the trade union and employees.

The Safran Nacelles site in BurnleyThe Safran Nacelles site in Burnley
The Safran Nacelles site in Burnley

Michael Rigalle, managing director of Safran Nacelles Ltd, said: “The aerospace industry is facing an unprecedented crisis because of the wide-ranging impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. There has been a 80% reduction in the amount of global air travel, and the financial impact of this is already being felt throughout the industry.

“We have previously taken swift steps to protect the health of our employees and business. This included implementing safe working arrangements for our employees and releasing the vast majority of our contractors. Unfortunately, our business cannot sustain the significant financial impact of the coronavirus crisis without taking further steps.

“Therefore, with great regret, we have had to start consulting on a proposed redundancy programme to protect the longer-term existence of Safran Nacelles in Burnley.

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“Over the coming weeks we will consult with the trade union and our employees. We will provide as much support as we can for our employees through this challenging period.

“We hope that these steps, whilst deeply regrettable, will help to protect the longer-term future for Safran Nacelles in Burnley.”

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